Now that you have picked your date, a photographer and probably a venue as well, you can celebrate! Those are some of the toughest decisions in wedding planning and you can cross them off of your list - hooray! Now it is time for something really fun - your engagement session! I love engagement sessions as a part of the wedding experience because I truly believe that they are a VITAL part of the entire process, During your engagement session, you'll have the chance to get to know me, experience how I shoot and how I handle posing and lighting. This session will make a huge impact on how your wedding day flows on the photography side. I'll arrive on your wedding day already knowing how you two interact, what your best poses are and how to capture you in a genuine way.
Your engagement session can be scheduled anytime before your wedding day. I normally suggest booking at least 2-3 months in advance to avoid stress. Because Saturdays are filled with weddings, I typically shoot engagements on weekday evenings. As you start to plan for your engagement shoot, you will need to start brainstorming about location. I LOVE when couples pick out a location that is special or sentimental to them in some way! If you can't think of anywhere specific that you would like to shoot, I can help you decide on a location. As long as the light is great, I can make ANY location look awesome! I shoot at farms, fields, campuses, downtown alleys and even laundry mats! I'm serious! Do not shy away from what feels like a crazy idea - the more sentimental, the better! Be sure to keep reading to find out more about outfit ideas and inspiration!
Choose a Location That Feels Like You
Do you love strolling through downtown with coffee in hand, hiking through the woods, or cozying up at home with your dog? The best engagement photos reflect who you are as a couple. I’m happy to help you brainstorm location ideas that suit your vibe - whether it’s romantic, playful, urban, woodsy, or cozy.
Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time
Believe it or not, you have so much control over the outcome of your shoot and what it looks and feels like! What you choose to wear can feel like a big decision that can feel stressful, however, my hope is that with a little information, you will be able to determine style and feel you desire for your shoot!
- Avoid small, busy patterns or logos that can distract from your faces
- Compliment each other without matching - Coordinating is different from "matching." Coordination means you are usually choosing different colors from the same palette or colors that look good together but are not close to being the same
- Dress like you're going to the same event - both casual or both dressed up
- Don't feel like you have to buy something new - If you know you look awesome in an outfit that you already have and it fits the style you want, that would be a great choice!
- Bring a second outfit if you'd like variety - one dressy and one casual works great!
Deciding on Your Style
BOLD or NEUTRAL | DRESSY or CASUAL | CLASSIC or TRENDY
These choices represent the three main decisions you will have to make in regard to your outfit choices. There is no wrong or right answer! Maybe you want one outfit to be dressy and the other to be casual. Maybe you want one to be very light and neutral and one more bold and colorful. Here are some general "rules of thumb" when it comes to styling for an engagement session.
Things to Avoid
- Harsh colors: bright reds, bright oranges, neons - these reflect unwanted color onto the skin
- Patterns smaller than a quarter: Tiny patterns can be very distracting
- Alternate heaviness: This can help make your images look more balanced, for example, if one of you is wearing dark jeans, the other might want to wear light
Romantic Style Recipe
- Neutral colors: Blushes, tans, light pinks, faint blues, misty teals, creams, grays and whites will always result in more of a light and airy look in your images because these colors photograph softer
- Long, Flowy Skirts/Dresses: Dresses and skirts with feminine ruffles, multiple layers of fabric and the ability to move will always photograph beautifully
- Khakis vs. Jeans: If you really want your images as bright as possible, consider having your partner wear lighter pants instead of dark dress pants/jeans
- Light Location: botanical gardens, airy parks/fields, arboretums
Bright & Bold Recipe
- Bold Colors: more pigmented and bright clothing colors
- Patterns: If you want to wear a pattern, my only recommendation is that your pattern is on the larger side
- Bold Backgrounds: Solid colored backgrounds or unique locations such as campuses, beaches, restaurants, parks
Traditional & Classic Recipe
- Dressy Clothing: whites, light blues, creams navy, khakis - dresses, blouses, skirts, blazers, dress pants, brown leather shoes, white or cream heels
- Accessories & Props: Jewelry, champagne, floral bouquet
- Classy Location: gardens, marble stairs & columns, old mansions, downtowns or famous landmarks
Getting Ready for Your Close Up
Believe it or not, you have so much control over the outcome of your shoot and what it looks and feels like! What you choose to wear can feel like a big decision that can feel stressful, however, my hope is that with a little information, you will be able to determine style and feel you desire for your shoot!
Treat it Like a Date
The best photos happen when you're having fun and feeling connected. Plan to grab dinner afterward or do something fun together before. Think of it as a special day to celebrate your relationship.
Bring the Essentials
A few things that are great to have on the go
- Touch-up makeup or blotting papers
- Hairbrush or comb
- Flats or comfy shoes for walking in between spots
- Water, especially if it's warm out
- A jacket or coat for chilly days
- A lint roller (especially if you have pets!)
Leave The Stress at Home
I promise - you don't need to be models or know how to pose. That's my job! I'll guide you with prompts and gentle direction so it feels natural, not stiff or awkward. The goal is to capture the real connection between you two!
Nails & Ring
A fresh manicure (for both parties) makes a close-up of the ring even more photo-ready. Please do not get any nail designs that do not align with your engagement vision as editing them out is not easy.
Have your ring professionally cleaned or clean it at home. To clean it at home: soak your ring in a mixture of water, gentle dish soap for 20-30 minutes and then brush with a soft toothbrush and rinse/wipe clean.
Being Your Dog if You Want
You already know I'm a dog mom and I love when pups make a cameo. Just be sure to bring a friend or family member to help handle your pet when they are not in the photos, plus some treats and a favorite toy!
Moisturize!
Hands, lips and any other skin that will be exposed - please lotion up! I know this sounds silly, but it can make all the difference!
Hair & Makeup
If you get your hair dyed regularly, please get it touched up before your session if it is needed. As for makeup, I highly recommend wearing makeup that feels like you OR schedule your trial to line up with your session.
Weather
I want you to be excited about your engagement session weather conditions so I will keep an eye on the weather and touch base with you if it ends up looking rough.
I typically do not reschedule for cloudy skies unless you are dreaming of a golden evening (which I totally understand!) but will reschedule for rain or unsafe weather. If weather is the cause of our reschedule, there will be no extra fees.
